Recently, I processed a large group of photos from Calvary that had a concentration of those who died from influenza. Noting that they had all died in 1918, I thought perhaps I had stumbled on an epidemic, and I did. I heard prior that there was a Spanish flu epidemic in Toledo in 1918, but hadn’t bothered to learn much about it until confronted with it. When looking up the deaths, many of the causes were listed as “La Grippe”–the term for the influenza that was epidemic in Toledo during the latter part of 1918.

While trying to verify some of these deaths, I’d come across the story below, published in the Toledo News-Bee November 7, 1918 that discussed what seems to be a city-wide quarantine imposed on citizens. As usual, I’ve transcribed the story and included the scan. There may be some genealogical tidbits for someone here. There is a mention of a person named Rose Koralewski. I am unsure of who this lady may be (she is not my grand aunt–that Rose died in 1916). I thought to include it here because I’ve noticed some queries hitting this blog for Koralewski and was thinking perhaps it might be useful to someone.

Here is the transcription, image of scan below.

Toledo News-Bee, November 7, 1918

Influenza Ban is Lifted

All Business Is Resumed; Schools Open Monday

The resumption of all business on Thursday thru the lifting of the influenza quarantine ban, was marked by more than usual activity. Moving picture houses and saloons did especially well, tho the happiness of the saloonists was marred a bit by the news that the state has “gone dry.”

All over the city patrons were able to get their “eyeopeners” in saloons before the sun came up. Street cars carried thousands to work before 8:00. Movie houses were filled before noon.

Theatres Crowded.

The Empire and Keith’s had big houses Thursday afternoon.

The closing order will be entirely lifted on Monday when public, private, and parochial schools will re-open.

On Thursday, 69 additional influenza cases, making a total of 5476, were reported. There were 11 deaths from influenza, making a total of 238, one from pneumonia, making a total of 125.